The Role Of Parents & Teachers In Encouraging Children To Develop Great Reading Skills

lenges, parents must support the process by actively participating in their child’s educational journey.

Well Known People Who were Transformed By Reading

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Teri M. Bethel is a publisher and author of relationship enrichment books, Bahamian-inspired romance, and adventure novels for children that share our island’s history and culture. Her books are available where good books are sold in Eleuthera, New Providence, and Amazon.com. Teri and her husband have two adult sons. Website: www.inspirepublishing.com

Learning to read is a critical skill that opens the door to a world of possibilities. For many people, the ability to read can be life-changing, enabling them to pursue education, job opportunities, and personal growth. Here are a few people whose lives turned around for the better after they learned how to read. Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and activist for girls’ education, grew up in Pakistan, where the Taliban had banned girls from attending school. At 11, Malala began speaking out about the importance of education for girls and advocating for their rights. After surviving an assassination attempt by the Taliban, Malala continued her activism and became a global advocate for girls’ education. Learning to read gave Malala the knowledge and confidence to speak out for what she believed in, and her advocacy has inspired millions of people worldwide.

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in Maryland in the early 1800s. Despite being forbidden to learn how to read, Douglass taught himself to read and write as a teenager. This literacy enabled him to escape slavery, become an influential abolitionist, and advocate for civil rights. Douglass’s must-read autobiography, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass,” is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of education and the importance of literacy in empowering marginalized communities.

1. Reading aloud in a fun, expressive manner can help children develop a love of reading. It exposes them to new vocabulary, ideas, and stories they might not otherwise encounter. It also allows parents to model good reading habits and spend quality time with their children.

2. Reading culturally relevant books develops national pride and stimulates the desire for readers to learn more about their country. Children who have not traveled through the islands get a first-hand glimpse of their country through the pages of Bahamian history, geography, adventure, and character-building books.

3. Create a cozy reading nook or a bookshelf filled with age-appropriate books. Encourage your child to read independently or with a sibling or friend.

4. Let your child choose positive books that appeal to their interests, whether dinosaurs, adventure, history, or sports, with the understanding that there are some must-reads in the mix to help to form their character. If your child struggles to find books they enjoy, take them to a library or bookstore and allow them to research different titles from family-friendly authors.

5. Establish a routine reading time before bed or after dinner. Encourage your child to read for a set amount of time each day, even if it’s just 10 minutes. Over time, they will begin to associate reading with a positive habit.

Literacy is defined as the ability to read and write, and it is a critical factor in determining an individual’s educational and employment opportunities. Without literacy skills, individuals may struggle to comprehend basic information or engage in critical thinking, limiting their access to higher education and job opportunities. Literacy is also crucial for individuals to participate in civic life, make informed decisions, and advocate for themselves and their communities.

In the Bahamas, education is compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 16, and the government provides free primary and secondary education. However, despite these efforts, some students still struggle with literacy. The government has implemented various initiatives to address these challenges, including early childhood education programs, remedial literacy support, and teacher training programs. NGOs such as Exceptional Education Outreach and community-based organizations like the Rotary Club of Eleuthera have also played a vital role in promoting literacy in the Bahamas. Exceptional Education Outreach has supported Eleuthera and Harbour Island students for many years. Their mission is to deliver sustainable special education and literacy support to students with special needs. While assisting students and serving parents and teachers with the skills and materials to remedy learning chal-

Daymond John, founder and CEO of the popular clothing brand FUBU, struggled with dyslexia throughout his childhood and was labeled a “slow learner” by his teachers. Despite this, he remained determined to succeed and used his creativity and business savvy to launch his fashion line. Today, FUBU is a multi-million dollar company that has been embraced by celebrities and fashion enthusiasts around the world.

Another example of someone who overcame a reading disability is Muhammad Ali. The legendary boxer struggled with dyslexia throughout his youth and had difficulty reading and writing. However, he was determined to succeed and used his natural athleticism and charisma to become one of the greatest athletes ever. In addition to his impressive boxing career, Ali became a civil rights activist and philanthropist, using his fame and influence to bring attention to important social issues.

Motivating Children to Read at Home

Though a fundamental skill that lays the foundation for learning and academic success, motivating children to read can be challenging, especially in today’s digital age. The allure of screens and video games often overshadows the joys of reading. Parents can play a crucial role in fostering a love of reading in their children. Here are some tips that can help parents motivate their children to read:

Using Innovative Methods to Encourage Reading in School

Teachers also have an important role in encouraging children to read. It takes creativity, but creativity is not a new teaching tool. One of the most remarkable African American teachers in history was Ella Sheppard. Born into slavery in Tennessee in 1851, Sheppard became a music teacher after the Civil War. But Sheppard didn’t just teach music; she also used singing to teach other subjects. She believed students would remember their lessons better if they were set to music, so she created songs covering topics like history, geography, and science. Her teaching approach was so effective that it became known as the “Tuskegee Method” and was adopted by other African American educators nationwide.

Apart from this fantastic method, here are some ways in which teachers can motivate their students to read:

1. Create a library of age-appropriate books by Bahamian authors covering various genres and topics. Encourage your students to borrow books from the library and provide opportunities to discuss the books they have read with their classmates. P35